Situated alongside Calgary‘s Riverfront between Chinatown and East Village, Fortuna’s Row is a 10,000 square foot ‘contemporary Latin American supper club’ that enables chef Mikko Tamarra to unleash his creativity and style, drawing on his experience cooking across many different regions.
Completed in 2021 and designed by Mera Studio Architects, the interiors pay homage to its Latin American culinary roots, the upscale tropical oasis unfolding within the confines of an austere concrete shell and drawing inspiration from traditional Central American design by incorporating wood details, woven leathers and rattan, handmade tiles, and tropical greenery.
While the space is skilfully decorated with found artefacts and new modern objects that serve to accentuate the aesthetics of the room, the focal point of the restaurant is the main bar, which not only showcases the room’s soaring height but creates a whimsical atmosphere with an oversized planter as its centrepiece.
With a mix of small and sharing plates, guests can dine on ceviches, causas and tostadas before moving onto dishes including snow crab and shrimp, scallops, shrimp and grits, as well as grilled chicken, pork, ribeye and more; all using Calgary’s local ingredients and elevating them to a heightened degree of excellence wherever plausible. A specialised dessert and pastry menu is waiting for the sweet-toothed diners, while the cocktail and drink menu at Fortuna’s Row has been crafted and curated by Ivana Lovric of Syndicate Hospitality Group.
Transforming the vast space into an intimate and welcoming environment didn’t come easy for Mera Studio Architects, especially when the soaring 20-foot ceilings and rough concrete surfaces were added to the challenge. Carefully considering the layout, the designers ultimately created distinct zones that would captivate the visitors as they moved throughout the space, each zone becoming a unique destination within the restaurant that created a new experience with every visit, and that immerses diners in unexpected delights and details throughout.
Serving contemporary Latin American on the Calgary riverfront, Fortuna’s Row is a fancifully designed venue that evokes as much wonder with its bold aesthetics as it does its punchy cuisine.
Fortuna’s Row Calgary Photography, Colin Way.
